FAQs: For Person Under Quarantine (PUQ) on Home Quarantine Order (HQO)
Persons serving Home Quarantine Order (HQO) are required to isolate at home until the end of their Quarantine Order (QO) period. Before exiting quarantine, they are required to make an appointment at a Regional Swab Centre (RSC) to take a mandatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test one to two days before the quarantine end date. If your PCR test is negative, you will receive a rescindment SMS and your QO will end.
Section 1: General Information on your Home Quarantine Order (HQO)
1. What is a Quarantine Order (QO)?
A QO is a legal order under the Infectious Diseases Act (IDA) requiring an individual, who is suspected to be a carrier of an infectious disease or a contact of a confirmed case to be quarantined at a designated place. You are not allowed to go out except to designated centers for your Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, to prevent the potential spread of the virus to others. It has legal force with severe penalties for non-compliance.
2. Where will I serve my Quarantine Order (QO)?
By default, you will serve your QO at home (HQO). If your place is unsuitable, you will be quarantined at a dedicated Government Quarantine Facility (GQF). This is based on an assessment of your state of health and the suitability of your home for quarantine. MOH will inform you via SMS.
Section 2: Information on Self-Notification for Quarantine (SNQO) of Household Members of a Confirmed COVID-19 Case
1. Are my household contacts required to quarantine if there is a confirmed COVID-19 case in the household?
If you have a confirmed case in your household (who may be under Home Recovery), you will need to declare your status and register as a close contact at https://go.gov.sg/quarantinereg. This portal will require information such as the last date of exposure with the COVID-19 patient and your contact number.
An electronic Quarantine Order (eQO) will be sent to your household to indicate the quarantine period and instructions for self-booking of PCR tests. You should visit this link to schedule your entry and exit PCR swab tests at Regional Screening Centres (RSCs) near your home. You should also collect ART kits at the RSCs, test yourself daily with the ART and upload your test results at https://go.gov.sg/mohartresults.
Should you feel unwell or be in need of medical attention, you can contact telemedicine services during your quarantine period.
2. How do household contacts register to be quarantined if they do not have a mobile phone and/or are unable to do so online?
They may seek assistance from their household members to help them register at https://go.gov.sg/quarantinereg.
Section 3: Information for Family/Household Members of PUQs under HQO
1. As a family/household member staying with a PUQ, what restrictions do I need to abide by?
Family/household members who are caregivers to PUQ, or family/household members receiving care from a PUQ are required to sign a Stay Order. You will not be allowed to leave the home. If the PUQ later tests positive for COVID-19, please refer to Section 2 on self-notification for Quarantine of Household Members of a Confirmed COVID-19 case.
Section 4: Information on PCR and ART Testing
1. I’m a person under HQO. What tests am I required to undergo?
You are required to undergo an entry PCR and ART swab test at the start of your 10-day HQO and an exit PCR swab test at the end of the QO.
In addition, all PUQs are required to test themselves daily with the Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits during their quarantine period, as well as 4 days (Days 11-14) after their quarantine period has ended.
2. Why do I need to take swab tests? Is it mandatory?
Yes, swab tests are mandatory for all Persons Under Quarantine (PUQ). Typically, there will be two PCR tests: (i) an entry PCR swab test at the start of the QO period for early detection of infection, and (ii) an exit PCR swab test before the QO ends to prevent potential transmission should you be infected.
The swab tests are mandatory under the Infectious Diseases Act (IDA) to ensure that PUQs are tested negative before their QO ends.
3. Why is there a need for two types of swab tests (PCR and ART) for PUQs?
To prevent new infections, double swab testing is to enable early detection of the disease among asymptomatic cases. The ART is able to earlier detect new infections earlier and reduce the risk of spreading to others.
4. Who will pay for the cost of the testing regime?
MOH will bear the cost for all tests related to HQO.
Section 5: Information on Exit Swab for PUQs under HQO
1. I am a Person under Quarantine (PUQ). Can I opt for an ART self-test in place of my PCR exit test?
No. While the ART provides a quick and easy way for persons to get self-tested in their own homes, the test results are still less accurate as compared to a PCR test. Hence, persons under quarantine are required to take a PCR exit test to prevent infecting others.
2. Can my family members accompany me to the RSC?
MOH does not advise non-PUQ family members to accompany the PUQs to the RSC. PUQs are to minimize contact with family/household members. If you have mobility difficulties and require assistance, please call the MOH hotline at 6710 4022 (operating hours: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm) for alternative arrangements.
3. If I am unwell, do I still proceed to the RSC?
If you are unwell before, or on the day of your PCR swab test appointment, please do not proceed with your swab appointment. Call the MOH hotline at 6710 4022 (operating hours: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm) for medical attention and alternative arrangements, if applicable.
4. Can I opt to go to any other clinic to get swabbed?
No, you are only allowed to go to the RSC as stated in your appointment notice for your PCR exit test.
5. I am unable to travel to the Regional Screening Centre (RSC) for my PCR exit test appointment. Can I opt to get tested at home?
In some situations (e.g. persons with disabilities), MOH may arrange for the PCR exit swab to be done at home. Please call the MOH hotline at 67104022 (operating hours: 09:00hrs to 21:00hrs) at least 3 days before your quarantine end date to make the request
6. When will I get my swab test results? How will I get the result?
If you have a SingPass account*, you may log in to the HealthHub page (https://eservices.healthhub.sg/Covid/Records) to access your test results, the test results will usually be available within one to two days of your swab test.
*Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, Passholders (Employment Pass, EntrePass, S-Pass, Dependent Pass, Long Term Visit Pass Plus), and selected Work Permit Holders are eligible for SingPass. Please refer to this link for SingPass instructions: https://www.singpass.gov.sg/singpass/register/instructions.
7. When / how will my quarantine order end?
Your Quarantine Order (QO) will be lifted when you receive a rescindment SMS message from MOH.
8. What are the arrangements for my child to receive his/her PCR swab tests?
For infants below 3 years, arrangements will be made for their PCR swab tests. Children between 4 to 12 years will receive their PCR swab tests at their quarantine locations. For children 13 years and above, they can register online at https://go.gov.sg/qoswab and proceed to an RSC for their PCR swab tests.
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If you feel unwell during your home recovery, do consult our Doctors via the app. All these Teleconsultations are free and fully supported by MOH, Singapore. Teleconsultation will be conducted via MaNadr app
Source: Singapore Ministry of Health
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